Menstrual period calculating device



Nov. 29, 1955 R. H. RUEFF 2,725,195

' MENSTRUAL PERIOD CALCULATING DEVICE Filed Aug. 16, 1954 INVENTOR. RENE H. RUEFF A TTORNEYS United States Patent Gfiice 2,725,195 Patented Nov. 29, 1955 MENSTRUAL PERIOD CALCULATING DEVICE Rene H. Rueif, Portland, Oreg.

Application August 16, 1&54, Serial No. 450,167

2 Claims. (Cl. 235-88) This invention relates to a menstrual period calculating device.

It is a main object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive menstrual period calculating device which can be set or adjusted at the commencement of a menstrual period to give an indication of the date of commencement of the next period, and used between such periods as a reminder of the beginning or commencement of the next period.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the character described above which is adjustable for different time intervals between menstrual periods to permit its ready use by any woman who purchases the device.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device of the character under consideration which is sufficiently compact to enable it to be readily placed in the purse or a pocket of the user without occupying any considerable space, and which is constructed so that the indicia on the operating parts of the device are normally concealed from view by a cover which may be moved to a position exposing such indicia.

Various other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a menstrual period calculating device embodying the concepts of the present invention, the device being shown in its open condition;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the device showing the same in its closed condition;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary View generally similar to that disclosed in Fig. l, but showing a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 55 of Fig. 4; I

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. l, but showing another modified form of the invention; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line 7--7 of Fig. 6, and showing in broken lines the cover in closed position.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters designate similar parts throughout, Figs. 1, 2 and 3 show a menstrual period calculating device embodying the concepts of the present invention and assuming the form of a compact or vanity case. The device includes a bottom half 11 hingedly connected at 13 to a top half or cover 15. The bottom and top halves are shown as being of disc form and having the faces thereof opposite their mating faces convexly curved, although, of course, this is merely illustrative of the shape of the device. A latch means at 17, of conventional c0nstruction, is provided for detachably holding the halves 11 and 15 in closed position. Formed in the mating face of half 11 is a counter-bored recess defined in part by an annular shoulder 19 and a centrally positioned, circular bottom face 21. Projecting upwardly centrally from bottom face 21 is a stud 25 which is provided with an annular rib 27 in spaced relation to face 21.

Rotatably mounted on stud 25 is a disc 29 having a depending, short, sleevelike portion 31 cooperatively fitting over stud 25 and being formed with a groove cooperatively receiving rib 27. The sleeve-like portion is expandable to permit it to snap over rib 27 during assembly. The rib and groove retain the disc on the stud. The relative dimensions of disc 29 and bottom half 11 are such that the margin of the disc overlies shoulder 19 as shown in Fig. 3. Cover 15 is recessed at 33 as shown.

Carried by shoulder 19 of half 11 is a series of consecutive numbers from one to thirty, said series being indicated by the reference character 41 and being arranged in equally spaced relation in circular, concentric fashion on half 11 just within the confines of disc 29 so as to be normally covered by the disc. This series or row of numbers represents the day of the present or immediate month during which an adjustment of the calculator is to be made.

Half ll also carries a second series of consecutive numbers from one to thirty arranged in equally spaced relation in circular, concentric fashion on half 11 outwardly of the first series 51. This second series or row of numbers is indicated by the reference numeral 43 and represents the days of the present month or the succeeding month from that represented by the first series of numbers.

It is pointed out that both series of numbers ll. to 43 run in a clockwise direction, as the parts are viewed in Fig. 1. As is clearly shown in Fig. 1, the numbers of the inner row or series i1 are disposed in radial register with the numbers of the outer row or series 43. it is also pointed out that the inner and outer series or rows of numbers are circularly oriented so that the numeral one of the outer row is in radial register with the numeral four of the inner row.

A third series of consecutive numbers from twentyfour to thirty-two is carried by disc 29 along an arcuate path spaced just radially inwardly of the inner series or row of numerals ii. The numbers of the third series or row of numbers are equally spaced from one another to be in radial register with a similar number of consecutive numbers on the inner row 41 and outer row 43. The third series of numbers is indicated by the reference numeral 45. it is pointed out that the third series of numerals 45 runs in a counterclockwise direction in contrast to the direction in which the numerals of the inner row &1 and outer row 43 run.

Formed through disc 29 along a circular path just outwardly of the series of numbers 45 is a row of windows disposed in equally spaced relation and in radial register, each to each, with respect to the numbers of the third series of numbers 45. Each of these windows, except for the window associated with number twenty-eight, is shown as being circular and indicated by the reference numc 51, but the window in register with number twentyei is shown as being rectangular in cross section and indicated by reference numeral 53. By such a formation as just described, the square or rectangular window may serve as an index mark or device on the disc to significance of relationship not only with respect to the inner row of numerals 41 but also to the numerals in the outer row 43. In contrast thereto, the windows 2')! have significance of relationship only with respect to the inner row of numerals 411.

To enable turning or rotating of disc 29 relative to half 11, a slot at 61 is provided in said disc, the slot being adapted to receive the edge of a coin or similar member whereby the disc may be turned.

In order to hold the disc 29 in an adjusted position relative to half 11, a series of equally spaced holes or depressions 63 are formed in shoulder 19 just outwardly of the first series of numerals 41. There are as many holes or depressions 63 as there are numerals in row 41. Provided on the lower face of disc 29 is a projection or detent 65 which is disposed in a position in alignment with the circular path along which the holes or depressions 63 are formed. The disc is slightly flexible so that even though it is held against shoulder 19 it may yield slightly to permit the detent to be moved around from hole to hole during turning or rotation of the disc. However, once the disc 29 has been brought to a desired position, the detent will snap into a hole and releasably retain the disc 29 in its adjusted or set position.

Borne by the exposed face of disc 29 are two circumferentially spaced-apart marks 67, between which is arranged in an arcuate fashion the legend Period of Susceptibility. The spacing of the marks from the third series of numerals is such that the marks indicate a period on the outer row of numerals 43 including those days which are fourteen to sixteen days after the beginning of the menstrual period. The importance of this will be presently explained.

A woman will, in general, know the number of days or time interval between the occurrences of her menstrual periods. This time interval may be, for instance, twenty-eight days. In such case, the calculator will be adjusted in the following manner. Since window 53 is in radial register with the numeral twenty-eight in the row or series of numbers 45, disc 29 will be rotated to bring window 53 into register with the number of the series of numbers 41 corresponding to the calendar day of commencement of a menstrual period. For purposes of illustration, it may be assumed that that day is the fourth of the month. Therefore, Fig. 1 shows the calculator set with the window 53 in register with the number four of the series of numbers 41. The day of commencement of the next menstrual period is obtained by noting the number of the series of numbers 43 that is in register with window 53, which, as previously mentioned, not only serves as a window but also as an index device. As shown in Fig. 1 the number one of the outer row series of numbers 43 is in register with window 53 and thus the calculator indicates that the next menstrual period will begin on the first day of the succeeding month from the month in which the calculation is made.

All of the above calculations are based on the assumption that the month during which the calculation is made has thirty days. If such month has 31 days, the disc 29 will be set so that the appropriate window, window 53 in the above illustration, is brought into register with the number in the row of numbers 43 which is one day before the beginning day of a menstrual period. That is, the window 53 would be arranged in register with the numeral three of the row of numerals 41 instead of the numeral four. ting of the calculator is made happens to have 29 or 28 days, the disc 29 can be rotated to set the appropriate window of said disc in advance one or two days, respectively, of the actual day on which the menstrual period begins. In all of the above examples, the final indication on the outer row of numerals will be the correct begin ning day of the next menstrual period. Therefore, regardless of the number of days in the month during which a calculation is made, the user of the calculator can always be certain that the index device indicates the actual day on which the next menstrual period should begin.

It may be, however, that the time interval between menstrual periods of the user of the device is not twentyeight days but is, for instance, thirty days. In such case, the disc 29 is rotated to bring the window in disc 29 which is in register with the numeral 30 in the row of numerals 45 into register with the numeral in the row of numerals 41 which corresponds to the day on which a menstrual period commences. The dayon which the nextmenstrual period begins is thenobtained by-noting the num- If the month during which the adjustment or setber in the outer row of numbers 43 which is in register with the index device, which is window 53in the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

In like manner, the device may be used by women whose menstrual periods are separated by time intervals of from twenty-four to thirty-two days.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a modified form of the invention which is very similar to the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, with the exception that a thin disc shield '80 is provided and is rotatably mounted on an upstanding stud 81 formed on disc 29. The stud 81 may be peened over to retain the disc shield in place. Preferably the peening operation is conducted so that the disc shield can be rotated relative to disc 29 only by overcoming a frictional force which is sufiicient to normally hold the disc shield against accidental rotation relative to disc 29.

Disc shield has an elongated window 83 formed therein, window 83 extending in a radial direction and having a length such as to be capable of simultaneously exposing two numerals, one numeral in row of numerals 43 and one numeral in row of numerals 41.

In using the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5, the person using the calculating device will rotate the shield 80 to bring the window 83 into register with the numeral in row of numerals 45 corresponding to the interval of time between the occurrences of menstrual periods of such person. Once this setting is made, the shield need not be thereafter adjusted. In this form of the invention, the disc 29 has an index device at 84in the form of a pointer. Index device 84 is in radial register with the number 28 of the row of numerals 45, as is apparent by a comparison of Figs. 1 and 4.

Fig. 4 illustrates a setting of the shield 80 where the time interval between the menstrual periods of the user of the device is 30 days. Obviously the shield 80 could be shifted to bring the window 83 into register with any one of the numerals in the row of numerals 45. Apart from the adjustment of shield 80, the operation of the second form of the'invention is identical with that of the first form of the invention.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a third form of the invention which is very similar to the first form of the invention, with the exception that in the third form of the invention the disc 29 has no detent 65 on its lower face and half 11 has no depressions 63 formed in shoulder 19. Instead, disc 29 carries on its upper surface a detent which is adapted to enter one of a plurality of circularly arranged, equally spaced depressions 91 formed in the top half 15 of the device. In this form of the invention, the disc 29 is retained in an adjusted position by the cooperative engagement of detent 90 within one of holes 91. Fig. 7 shows such an engagement. The operation of the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 6 and 7 is substantially identical to that of the first form of the invention.

An important feature of the calculator of the present invention is that after the disc 29 has been set to indicate on row of numerals 43 the date of commencement of the next menstrual period, the user of the device may readily obtain from the calculator the days of the month during which the user is susceptible to becoming pregnant. These days are indicated between the marks 67. It is appreciated that the periods of susceptibility of different women will vary, but in general the days indicated between the marks 67 will be substantially correct. This feature of the invention is of particular importance to those couples who are experiencing difiiculty in having a child.

One of the prime advantages of the device of the present invention is that the purchaser may from time to time remove the calculating device from her purse or pocket, snap the case open and be instantly apprised of the date of the commencement of the next menstrual period. She is, therefore, relieved of the mental task of constantly attempting to remember the date of commencement of such next. menstrual .period.

Another considerable advantage of the device of the present invention is that it is very compact and may be readily carried in the purse or other container without occupying any considerable space. Furthermore, the device has the appearance of a simple vanity case and therefore does not attract undue attention. Furthermore, the numerical indicia of the operating parts are concealed by the cover 15, except at times when the owner wishes to examine the indicia.

Having described the invention in what are considered to be the preferred embodiments thereof, it is desired that it be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific details shown unless they constitute critical features of the present invention, all of which will be apparent by reference to the following claims.

I claim:

1. A menstrual period calculating device comprising a disc concentrically carrying on one face an inner circular row and an outer circular row of equally spaced, radially registering numerals from 1 to 30, the inner and outer rows being circularly oriented so that the inner row numeral 4 registers with the outer row numeral 1, the inner row numerals representing the days of the present month and the outer row numerals representing the days of said present month or of the succeeding month, a smaller disc rotatably mounted concentrically on said one face of the first disc and covering the inner but not the outer row of numerals, said smaller disc carrying on its outer face adjacent said inner row an arcuate row of consecutive numerals including the number 28 and at least two consecutive numbers thereabove and therebelow, the smaller disc numerals representing menstrual periods of dilferent time intervals and being so equally spaced apart as to be registrable each to each with a like number of inner row numbers, and an index device carried by said smaller disc in radial alignment with said numeral 28, said smaller disc being cut away to expose the inner row numerals which are in radial register with the smaller disc numerals whereby on the day that a menstrual period commences, the smaller disc number corresponding to the number of days between menstrual periods of the individual using the device may be brought, by rotating the smaller disc, into radial register with that inner row numeral corresponding to said day, whereupon the beginning of the next menstrual period is indicated by said index device on the outer row of numerals.

2. A menstrual period calculating device comprising a disc concentrically carrying on one face an inner circular row and an outer circular row of equally spaced, radially registering numerals from 1 to 30, the inner and outer rows being circularly oriented so that the inner row numeral 4 registers with the outer row numeral 1, the inner row numerals representing the days of the present month and the outer row numerals representing the days of said present month or of the succeeding month, a smaller disc rotatably mounted concentrically on said one face of the first disc and covering the inner but not the outer row of numerals, said smaller disc carrying on its outer face adjacent said inner row an arcuate row of consecutive numerals including the number 28 and at least two consecutive numbers thereabove and therebelow, the smaller disc numerals representing menstrual periods of different time intervals and being so equally spaced apart as to be registrable each to each with a like number of inner row numbers, an index device carried by said smaller disc in radial alignment with said numeral 28, said smaller disc being cut away to expose the inner row numerals which are in radial register with the smaller disc numerals whereby, on the day that a menstrual period commences, the smaller disc number corresponding to the number of days between menstrual periods of the individual using the device may be brought, by rotating the smaller disc, into radial register with that inner row numeral corresponding to said day, whereupon the beginning of the next menstrual period is indicated by said index device on the outer row of numerals, and a disc-shaped shield rotatably mounted concentrically on said smaller disc and having a radially elongated window formed therein of a size to expose one number of the inner row of numerals and one number of said arcuate row of numbers.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,950,465 Whitlock Mar. 13, 1934 2,244,514 Cwiekalo June 3, 1941 

